Truman Presidency Flashcards
In 1952, what percentage of world foods were produced in America?
65%
What % of world goods were produced in America in 1952?
65%
What was the unemployment rate in 1952?
It was exceptionally low - between 2 and 3%
How many US soldiers died over the course of the Korean War?
36,900
What policy proposals did Truman make in the Fair Deal?
Extension of social security, tax cut for lower income earners, minimum wage almost doubled and national health insurance.
What policies was Truman able to get passed in the Fair Deal?
He was able to extend social security to another one million Americans.
He was able to raise the minimum wage from 40 cents to 75. Assistance to help modernise farms was also passed.
What was Truman advised to do to help gain support for the Truman doctrine?
He was advised to ‘scare the hell out of the American people’.
When did the Red scare start?
The Red scare started around 1947.
What was HUAC’s role in the Red scare?
What did it stand for?
HUAC led investigations into supposed Communist conspiracies to overthrow the government
HUAC stood for the House Un-American Activities Comittee
How was the Red Scare damaging to Truman?
The republicans were able to portray Truman and the Democrats as ‘soft’ on communism - McCarthy helped ensure that many Democrats were defeated in 1952 due to his assertions that they held communist sympathies.
What statistic shows the damage done by the Red scare to Truman?
A poll showed that 73% of Americans considered Truman to be weak on the Communists
Why was McCarthy able to continue pushing false accusations?
There was fear of Communist expansion - which led to hysterical anti-communism. Republicans hoped to regain congress and the presidency. Democrats did not dare defend the accused lest they be accused.
